THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Evening Star, Issue 7326, 26 September 1887, Page 2

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

DUNEDIN AND SUBURBS. The weather could not well have been worse for electioneering purposes than it has been to-day, rain having fallen without cessation since early morning and made matters very unpleasant for those taking an active part in the various contests. The half-holiday proclaimed by the Mayor was very generally observed, a large majority of the shops in the city being closed at an early hour; and employees who took a particularly strong interest in the elections were thus enabled to devote their energies to assisting the cause of their respective fancy candidates by seeking out voters of similar views and inducing them to "roll up " to the pollingbooths.

At Dunedin West there is very little excitement—the drenching rain seems to have washed all the hilarity and demonstrativeness out of both parties ; but, notwithstanding this, the contest is being keenly contested and, though quiet, the supporters of the rival candidates are evidently very much in earnest, recognising it as a necessary duty to strain every nerve in order to gain the victory. Vehicles of all descriptions drive up every moment or two, loaded with those who are presumed to be safe supporters of the man whose friend stands the cheap ride; the voters file in and exercise their privilege, and then depart in solemn silence to make way for the next batch. This is the scene enacted every few minutes at the Albany street Hall. No cheering; no placards; no rupture between the rival factions; everything conducted decorously and in a subdued tone, as though it was a funeral rather than an election contest that was taking place. So far the proceedings at Dunedin West might be taken as a mode' for all the constituencies. The result of the polling seems to be very doubtful; but all are agreed that the sucoessful candidate will have but a small majority—perhaps not much more than when Mr Stewart beat Mr Dick by 27 votes three years ago.

The scene at and around the Union street school is rather more lively, an occasional chaer being raised as pronounced partisans enter the portals. The booth was rushed directly the door was opened, and for some moments a block took place owing to the construction of the building compelling ingress and egress by the same passage; but the early birds having been got rid of no further inconvenience was felt, and, notwithstanding the heavy polling, there has been no crush. The cartoon epidemic has well-nigh died out. One of the latest of these represents Labor writhing to extricate himself from the arms of an Octopus, with Protection, in the guise of a comely damsel, coming to his aid—apparently through the somewhat novel method of lassooing the octopus. Another picture —a particularly well-drawn one—is entitled " The Egypt of the South," and shows Sir Robert as the inscrutable Sphinx, Sir Julius Vogel figuring as a sculptured Pharoah, armed with the goad of taxation, while the Pyramids are labelled " Taxation" and "Tribute," and the people at large are effecting an exodus. A third skit is simply designed to show that Mr Allen's political views am not easy to understand. Barring a sheet poem by a local poet, written in the cause of Sir Robert Stout, these are all the new skits in circulation. The workers on either side apparently feel that this is no time for play, and that if they would be loyal to their man they must work hard in the few hours that have to elapse before the matter is decided one way or the other. It is in this particular electorate that the interest is focussed. Probably half the cabs and carriages rushing about the streets are hurrying voters to this battlefield ; and the question on everyone's lips is " What about East?" Some of the University students have a four-in-hand for the convenience of the Premier's supporters, and this vehicle is made particularly prominent by a banner. The only other device carried is a rather shabbylooking piece of dirty calico, emblazoned with a cartoon. This has been several times carried into the polling-booth at the head of a small contingent of Stoutites. As an evidence of the keenness with which this election is being contested, it may be mentioned that several challenges have taken place as to the right of certain persons to vote. It appears that Mr Allen's party would not consent to accept the roll as it stands, and the consequence is that both sides now maintain their right to question, and do question, every would-be voter whose qualification) there is any doubt about. This action has given rise to a good deal of party feeling, and the struggle promises to be a memorable one. Voters have been pouiing in not only from the more distant suburbs, but from Port Chalmers and the various country districts, and there are rumors that a large contingent is expected from the Strath Taieri. Both sides profess to be confident as to the issue of the contest; but the prevalent feeling among those not in the thick of the fight is that Sir Robert's chance is improving as the day wears on. The betting this afternoon is decidedly in favor of the Premier. In Dunedin South the contest is being waged in most determined fashion, and the supporters of Mr Fish and Mr Gore profess to be equally confident; but the general impression prevalent as the day wore on was that the late member would not be returned. Certainly, if energy deserved to win the day, both candidates had an equal claim tq success, for both men and their partisans worked their very hardest Vehicles and traps of all kinds were placed at the candidates' disposal on either aide, and an excited crowd of parties interested surrounded the solitary pollingbooth from morn till eve. This particular booth, by-the-bye, was a most inconvenient place, the "free and independent '■ having to go in by a narrow doorway and descend a flight of steps into a sort of cellar, not particularly well lighted, and not very well arranged for election purposes. Cartoons have been a strong feature of the struggle in this district; as soon as one in favor of a particular candidate appeared it was responded to by an opposition one intended to counterbalance its effects, and as a rule the weapons used by the side first in the field were, with slight variation,] wielded by the Opposition as a means of turning the enemy into ridicule. For instance, a "grave" joke was perpetrated by Mr Gore's supporters in issuing a cartoon depicting a wellknown and genial undertaker as waiting with a coffin to receive Mr Fish's political remains; but the designer made the fatal mistake of placing the undertaker and reoeptaoie immediately under the pictured resemblance of Mr Gore. Needless to say that the Fishites seized upon this weak point of the picture to make it read that it was Mr Gore that evidently was to drop into an early political grave. The Dunedin Central election was conducted in a far more decorous manner, only a solitary cartoon—and that very mild in its conception—being issued. It represented Mr Cargill falling between the two stools of "Protection" and "Ereetrade." In the early [stages of the contest Mr Cargill was, as far as public opinion was concerned, certainly somewhat at a discount as compared with his more youthful opponent, but during the last few days a! revulsion of feeling took place, and many are to-day of the impression that he will at the least run Dr Fitchett very close, if he does not even score a win. The friends of both candidates have been working their hardest, and whichever wins will, owe his victory to the energy of his supporters. To show

how determined the enthusiastic workers were to secure a successful issue, we may instance that a' decrepid patient from the Hospital was brought up in a cab and carried into the hall to vote. The polling place in this district is a model one, there being a good approach and ample room for everybody to pass in and out, which is a decided improvement on the accommodation provided at Dunedin South. The first blow at Caversham was Btruck by the men from the Benevolent Institution and Old Men's Home, headed by Mr John Graham. So far the proceedings have been orderly.

The triangular contest at Roslyn is being fought most spiritedly, and the voting will by all appearances be by a long way the best on record. The Ross party are very sanguine of success. A large crowd has been assembled most (f the day in the vicinity of the main pollingbooth of the Peninsula electorate. Mr Begg is, it is asserted, receiving quite as much support as was promised, while Mr Larnach's friends are also mustering in force, and are very confident that the Minister of Mines will head the poll. Although to-day was declared as a public holiday at Port Chalmers, very little interest was taken over the election, owing no doubt to a fresh N.E. breeze and heavy rain setting in early and continuing without intermission. The committees of each candidate worked hard to bring the voters up to the polling booth, and the feeling seemed to be that Mr James Mills would be returned by a majority of about two to one. On dti, of the ninety-three inmates of the Benevolent Institution who voted to-day, eighty recorded their votes for Mr Rutherford. CANTERBURY. Our Christchurch correspondent telegraphs :—" Great activity exists in election matters to-day. Never in the history of Canterbury were seats fought with such obstinacy. This is especially the case for St. Albans between Messrs Garrick and Reeves. No effort is being spared in this case, as in others, to poll every available vote. The Opposition party have gained strength in a marked manner duringthe lastfewweeks, and that in districts where the Government candidates were considered likely to have a walk-over."

The ' Press' this morning states that Mr Joyce, of Lyttelton, touted for the support of the Opposition for Coleridge and was refused it, and he then announced himself as a candidate in the Government interest. Had this disclosure been made earlier it would have ruined his chance of election, which now seems good. THE AUCKLAND SEATS. Our Auckland correspondent telegraphed this forenoon:—"Business is almost suspended, and the day is given up to electioneering. Considering that hired vehicles are prohibited by law, it is astonishing the number of traps that are flying. Every private vehicle has been handed over to one or other of the candidates, and the "cabbies" are taking voters about from pure love and affection. The contest in which chief interest centres is that of Newton, for which the Hon. J. A. Tole, Minister for Justice, is opposed by Mr Withy, a strong Freetrader, and Mr Garrett, Protectionist. The latter is running on the working man's ticket. Mr Withy is supported by a strong teetotal following, and is certain to run Mr Tole close, especially as the latter's support from Protectionists is being split by Mr Garrett's candidature. It is impossible to predict the result, both Mr Withy's and Mr Tole's committees declaring positively that they have an absolute majority. In Parnell there is a keen fight between Mr F. Moss and Mr Seymour George. Both have pledged themselves to vote for a want-of-uonfidence motion in the present Ministry, and, although promises on both sides are numerous, it is believed that Mr Mobs will win by a small majority. In Ponsonby, Mr Peacock, the late member, is opposed by Mr Wright, working man's candidate, and Mr Edward Cooper, lawyer. The latter came late into the field, and is not expected to poll more than 200 votes. The contest between the other two will be very keen. Opinion favors the belief that Mr Peacock's return is safe. All the candidates are in opposition to the present Government, but Mr Wright would probably support a reconstructed Ministry. In Auckland North, Mr T. Thompson, the late member, is opposed by Mr S. Vaile, the railway reformer. The seat is considered pretty safe for Mr Thompson, who voted against the Government last session. In Auckland West there are three candidates —Mr D. Goldie (timber merchant), Mr Shera (warehouseman, who runs on the Grey ticket), and Mr E. W. Morrison (a supporter of the present Government). The contest lies between Mr Goldie and Mr Shera, and it is believed the former will win. In Eden, Mr J. A. Connell (formerly of Otago) is making a game fight against the Hon. E. Mitchelson. The former is running as a Freetrader and the latter as a Protectionist. Both are Atkinsonists, and will poll well; but the seat is considered safe for Mr Mitchelson. In Manukau, Sir Maurice O'Rorke is being hard pressed by Mr Osborne, who is new to politics. Mr Osborne is supported by the teetotal vote. He is a strong Oppositionist. If Sir Maurice wins, it is expected to be by a very narrow majority. In Waitemata the late member will probably have an easy victory over Mr Reader Wood. In North Franklyn, Mr Lowry is running Mr W. F. Buckland, the late member, very hard, and his supporters are confident of winning. The result, however, is doubtful. For South Franklyn, Major Hamlin, Chairman of Committees, and Major Harris are fighting their battles over again, and it is believed the fortunes of war will this time give'a victory to Major Harris. Major Jackson is considered safe for Waipa; but Mr J. B. Whyte is having a keen contest for Waikato against Mr Russell, a journalist. The latter is a Government supporter. In Tauranga the contest lies between Mr Kelly, Government supporter, and Mr Gill, Oppositionist. The result is doubtful, and will probably result in favor of Mr Kelly. At the Thames, in consequence of the Opposition vote being split' by Mr M'Gowan and Mr Frater, the late member (Colonel Fraaer) will probably win. Mr Cadman, for Coromandel, is being ran very hard by Mr James Mackay, Native interpreter; but Mr Cadman will, I believe, be returned by a smallfmajority. For Rodney, Mr Moat is being opposed by Mr Jackson Palmer (a young lawyer), and Mr Colbeck, son of the former member. Mr Moat's seat is considered safe. For Marsden, Mr Pargaville, who-is opposed by Mr Thompson, is considered safe. Mr Hobbs's Beat is also thought to be secure. His opponent is Mr John Lundon." THE NELSON AND MABLBOE.OUGH SEATS. I may premise my remarks by honestly and truthfully expressing what is public opinion throughout the districts concerned, from the Waimea to Kaikoura, that Nelson and Marlborough will return almost, if not entirely, a block vote for the Stout-Vogel Government. In the Motueka contest, Mr John Kerr, member in the last Parliament for the Waimea, has every advantage over his opponent, Mr Richmond Hursthouse, member for Motueka. In the last general election Hursthouse won the seat by only a very small majority, Kerr on that occasion running him Very olosely. To make room for Mr Kerr, Mr Joseph Sbephard waa elevated to the Upper House, and M> Kerr contested the vacant qea.t and won it. Both he and Mr Hursthouse were supporters of the Stout-Vogel Government in the last Parliament, and it is well-known that an impetus has been given to the provincial district of during the last two or three years by the signing of the* Midland Railway contract ana the development of the mineral resources' of the district.' For this the people of Nelson appear to be grateful to the present Government, and Mr Richmond Hursthouse, having now declared himself in opposition to the Stout-Vogel party, has become most unpopular in that provincial district, and. has practically lost his seat by this act Another factor in the probable result lies in the fact that under the : recent redistribution Of seats a considerable area of Mr Kerr's old electorate, the Waimea, has been thrown into the new electorate, and lias thus placed *• the certainty of his return for Motueka - almost beyond question. I expect to see Mr Kerr returned by a large majority. For the city of Nelson, we on this side of the Maungatapu hear that Mr Leveetam has no real opposition, ''and that Messrs Piper and Gibbs will be nowhere on polling

day. The Waimea-Picton seat is being contested by three candidates—Mr A. P. Seymour, formerly member for the Wairau and Chairman of Committees in the House of Representatives ; Mr Joseph Harkness, a storekeeper in the Waimea ; and Mr C. H. Mills, commission agent, etc., of Havelock, at the head of the Pelorus Sound. Vr Seymour is personally a much superior man to either of the other candidates, but does not appear to be very popular. In the Pelorus he is regarded as a representative of the propertied class, from the fact that he is a runnolder, and that his politics are in sympathy with those of the Atkinson side of the House. He is an opponent of Mr Ballance's land policy, which, strangely enough, seeing that this is a squatting district, is in much favor in Marlborough. It is said, however, that Mr Seymour will receive a good deal of support in the Waimea. Whether this is so or not I cannot say, but I hardly think any support he may receive on the other side of the range will convert the defeat he will receive on the Pelorus side into a victory, unless, indeed, Messrs Mills and J. Harkness, who are both running on the Liberal ticket, should split votes and let the Opposition candidate in. My opinion is that Harkness and Seymour will split votes in the Waimea, where both are well known and where the former is a resident, and that the support which Mills will receive in the Pelorus will be sufficient to place him at the head of the poll. For Wairau there are also three candidates —Mr Henry DodsoD, who has represented the district the last six years; Mr George Henderson, thirty years a resident in the district, who has several times unsuccessfully contested the seat, and who has been Mayor of Blenheim several times : and Mr S. J. Macalister, auctioneer, etc., and formerly Inspector of Telegraphs for Nelson, Marlborough, and Westland, and Chief Postmaster at Blenheim. Dodson is a declared Oppositionist, Macalister a declared Ministerialist, and Henderson sitting on a rail. Mr Dodson wrested the seat from Mj Seymour six years ago, and was returned in opposition to Atkinson. He contested the seat on the Liberal ticket, but has been a staunch supporter of the Atkinson Government ever since he took his seat in the House. At last election Mr Joseph Ward contested the seat with Mr Dodson, but unsuccessfully, both candidates being regarded as a representative of the propertied class. Mr Henderson is a man of considerable ability, but age and insincerity of purpose combine to tell against him, and his candidature is regarded with disfavor. He has tried to secure the block Catholic vote; but the general impression is that the Catholics will not give a block vote, but that it; will be fairly divided between the three candidates. MiHenderson will not be at the bottom of the poll, but by going to the poll he may take a few votes from Macalister, and let Dodson in. The general opinion is that if Henderson retired, as there is some probability, Macalister's return would be certain. As it is, however, Macalister is the popular candidate, and if the election is determined on its merits he will head the poll. At the nomination Macalister received quite an ovation, and although the show of hands left him ten behind Dodson, many staunch supporters were present who objected to a show of hands. The temper of the meeting was with the Liberal candidate from start to finish. He was proposed by Mr Henry Redwood, father of the New Zealand turf, in an exceedingly humorous, forcible, and characteristic speech. Mr Macalister was well received throughout the district, and will get the working men's, station hands', and small farmers' vote. Mr Dodson will in some caseß get the runholders' and importers' vote, and Mr Henderson the clerical and Good Templar vote. There is considerable betting here on the result, and level money on Dodson or Macalister was taken up a week ago. The odds are now greatly in favor of Mr Macalister. Looking to all contingencies, there will be little difference between Dodson and Macalister, but I have no hesitation in expressing a firm conviction that Macalister will win by something over fifty as things stand now. For Cheviot, Mr Lance, the old member, has practically no opposition, and his return is certain. From this analysis it will be seen that my estimate is that Nelson and Marlborough will be able to give the party a block vote of five in the new "Parliament.—'Post's' correspondent. [By Telegraph.] BLENHEIM, September 26. Large crowds of people are in the town, and no business worth speaking about is being done. Everybody is full of the election. The friends of the three candidatesMessrs Dodson, Henderson, and Macalister —appear equally confident. Betting is freely indulged in. Mr Dodson, late member, is very confident that he will again head the poll. NELSON, September 26. There is great excitement here over the elections, but the weather is very wet. The Motueka election between Mr Hursthouse and Mr Kerr creates the keenest interest, and is expected to be very close. NEW PLYMOUTH, September 26. All business is appended, and the greatest excitement prevails.

Mr John M'Kenzie has called on the • North Otago Times' to withdraw a state, ment made in their editorial columns, that, as a member of the Land Board and Education Board, he charged railway fares while he travelled on his free pass; or, failing that, to defend an action for libel.